The Federal Service for Ecological, Technological and Nuclear Supervision (Rostekhnadzor) made changes in the conditions of operation license for power unit No 3 of Rostov NPP (the town of Volgodonsk, Rosenergoatom Concern branch, a part of Rosatom Electric Energy Division) that give the permission for its pilot production with the capacity of 104%.

According to the Deputy Chief Engineer on Safety and Reliability of Rostov NPP Vitaliy Makeev, the pilot production (PP) of the power unit No 3 will be carried out for three years (two fuel campaigns). “During this period of time we will gather information about the operating equipment – reactor unit, turbine generator and evaporative cooling tower”, V.Makeev explained.

He also noted that during 6 months after the completion of the PP Rostekhnadzor will receive the report proving the safe operation and possibility of industrial operation of power unit No 3 of RoNPP at the increased power level.

It is to be recalled that in December, 2015 Rostekhnadzor issued permission for performance of testing works in accordance with the complex program called “Rostov NPP power unit No 3 trial during the testing of the heating power level of 104% from nominal level”.

At present time, Rostov NPP power unit No 1 is under the industrial operation with the capacity of 104% from nominal level, the power unit No 2 is under the pilot operation with the capacity of 104% from nominal level (it is planned to put it into industrial operation to the end of 2018). At the new power unit No 4 the works for power start-up program are in progress.